What Is Carbon Steel, and What are the Advantages of Using It? Insights from a Carbon Steel Ground Bar Supplier in Houston, Texas

When it comes to the use of steel in construction projects, is everything the same? Not really. Steel is an alloy, which means that it is made up of different types of chemical elements — namely iron, carbon, and trace alloying elements. Steel provides several benefits, as it is a reasonably affordable material to manufacture and provides tensile strength for use in construction applications.

Though there are thousands of different steel grades, steel is commonly classified into four categories: carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel. What determines the type of steel is the ratio of elements used in its production. Of all the different types of steel available, carbon steel is the number one choice for many projects in the construction industry.

Are you interested in learning more about carbon steel and its advantages? This carbon steel ground bar supplier in Houston, Texas is going to explain more below.

What is carbon steel?

[SS1] Carbon Steel is broken down into four classes based on the carbon content: low carbon containing 0.05% to 0.25% carbon; medium carbon containing 0.30% to 0.50% carbon; high carbon containing 0.60% to 1.00% carbon; ultra-high carbon containing 1.25% to 2.0% carbon

According to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), carbon steel must also fulfill the following standards to be considered true carbon steel:

  • Copper content must not be more than 0.60%
  • Manganese content must not be more than 1.65%
  • Silicon content must not be more than 0.60%

What are the benefits of carbon steel?

Given its unique characteristics, it’s no surprise that carbon steel ground bar suppliers in Houston, Texas often recommend using this material. Some of the main benefits of using carbon steel include the following:

  • Durability: One of the most significant advantages of carbon steel is its long-term durability. The fact that it is both strong and shock-resistant is one of the reasons why it is such an excellent choice for construction projects. Natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes and earthquakes, are less likely to cause damage to steel-framed buildings.
  • Sustainability: Carbon steel is a sustainable material that can be easily recycled and repurposed.
  • Affordability: Carbon steel is far more affordable to manufacture than other metals, and a small amount may go a long way in the manufacturing process. The durability of carbon steel means that less metal can be used while still performing the same function as other materials — such as piping — that could otherwise be constructed of other more expensive metals, such as copper.
  • Safety: As any carbon steel ground bar supplier in Houston, Texas knows, steel is a reasonably simple and safe material to work with. Because carbon steel is non-toxic, it is also widely used in cookware and other kitchen appliances.

The use of carbon steel in the construction industry

The number of different types of carbon steel that can be used in the construction industry is practically endless — and the modern world as we know it would not be possible without this metal.

Low-carbon steel is the metal of choice for building frames because of its strength and durability. Low-carbon steel is also used to construct bridges, steel pipelines, and various automotive components. Low carbon steel is also used in various smaller products, including nails, wires, pipes, and chains.

High-carbon steel — which is more durable than low-carbon steel — is also standard in the construction industry, where it is used in cutting tools, springs, coils, wrenches, hammers, and other forms of tools and equipment. If you would like to learn more about the use of carbon steel in the construction industry, do not hesitate to get in touch with a carbon steel ground bar supplier in Houston, Texas.

Looking for the Top-Rated Carbon Steel Ground Bar Supplier in Houston, Texas?

As the leading carbon steel ground bar supplier in Houston, Texas, Banner Commercial maintains a large inventory of various steel grades and sizes to accommodate low and high-volume orders. With multiple types of carbon steel to choose from, we are sure to have an option that is well-suited for your end-use. Contact us today at (800) 323-9732 [SS2] to discuss your project.